Recombinant immunogens for the generation of antivenoms to the venom of scorpions of the genus Centruroides

Abstract

The invention concerns genes and fusion of genes that code for scorpion toxins and the corresponding polypeptides. The invention also concerns the use of the polypeptides as immunogens for the generation of antibodies that can recognize and neutralize components of scorpion venom as well as for vaccines to prevent envenomation from stings of scorpions of the genus Centruroides , and to immunogenic matrices for the purification of specific immunoglobulins.

1. An isolated nucleic acid comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:115. 
     
     
       2. An isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 116, wherein said isolated polynucleotide encodes a toxin that binds to a sodium channel. 
     
     
       3. An isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 99% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 115, wherein said isolated polynucleotide encodes a toxin that binds to a sodium channel. 
     
     
       4. A recombinant vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 1 . 
     
     
       5. A recombinant vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 1  operatively associated with a regulatory sequence that controls gene expression. 
     
     
       6. A genetically engineered host cell comprising the vector of  claim 5 . 
     
     
       7. A method for producing a polypeptide, comprising:
 a) culturing the genetically engineered host cell of  claim 6  under conditions suitable to produce the polypeptide; and 
 b) recovering the polypeptide from the cell culture. 
 
     
     
       8. A recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide of  claim 2 . 
     
     
       9. A recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide of  claim 2  operatively associated with a regulatory sequence that controls gene expression. 
     
     
       10. A genetically engineered host cell comprising the vector of  claim 9 . 
     
     
       11. A method for producing a polypeptide, comprising:
 a) culturing the genetically engineered host cell of  claim 10  under conditions suitable to produce the polypeptide; and 
 b) recovering the polypeptide from the cell culture. 
 
     
     
       12. A recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide of  claim 3 . 
     
     
       13. A recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide of  claim 3  operatively associated with a regulatory sequence that controls gene expression. 
     
     
       14. A genetically engineered host cell comprising the vector of  claim 13 . 
     
     
       15. A method for producing a polypeptide, comprising:
 a) culturing the genetically engineered host cell of  claim 14  under conditions suitable to produce the polypeptide; and 
 b) recovering the polypeptide from the cell culture. 
 
     
     
       16. An isolated polynucleotide acid that encodes SEQ ID NO:116. 
     
     
       17. A recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide of  claim 16 . 
     
     
       18. A recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide of  claim 16  operatively associated with a regulatory sequence that controls gene expression. 
     
     
       19. A genetically engineered host cell comprising the vector of  claim 18 . 
     
     
       20. A method for producing a polypeptide, comprising:
 a) culturing the genetically engineered host cell of  claim 19  under conditions suitable to produce the polypeptide; and 
 b) recovering the polypeptide from the cell culture.